Mako, born in Kobe, Japan, became a notable figure in cult cinema after moving to the United States in 1949. He trained at the Pasadena Community Playhouse, where he honed his theatrical skills, leading to roles in films like The Great Bank Robbery (1969) and Girls of the White Orchid (1983). His performances often reflect a blend of humor and drama, making him a distinctive presence in the exploitation genre. Mako's contributions to these films highlight his ability to navigate the complexities of character in a vibrant cinematic landscape.
Girls of the White Orchid
In Los Angeles, the naive and lonely burger waitress and aspirant singer Carol Heath finds an advertisement in the newspaper with a job opportunity in Tokyo. She has a meeting with the agents, the American Cavanaugh and the Japanese Shiro ; she signs the contract in English and Japanese and travels to Japan to work at the White Orchid night-club. She shares a hotel room with a dancer and sooner she discovers the scheme of prostitution in the club that belongs to Yakuza. Alone, without money and her passport, she is protected by Shiro, but pressed by the managers Madame Mori and her husband Hatanaka to be receptive to client's proposals. Meanwhile her former boyfriend returns to LA and seeks her out.
